Ot97

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Issue 97

Thursday 18th September 2014 EVERY FORTNIGHT

p13 Omagh solicitor Mary Murnaghan on her mother’s long battle with dementia, and why she’s determined to fundraise for research into a cure…

coming home janet prepares for her first omagh gig Drama

p17

Hazel Wand alumni stage gripping wartime drama, Ghetto, at Strule ONLY £1.25

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Welcome...

ISSUE 97 | 18TH SEPT 2014 46

23

37

40

34

An Indian summer…

4

Big Interview

8

Charity cycle puts Geraldine one step closer to Cuba

12

Foyle hospice fun day at the Grange

13

Against the dying of the light

17

Hazel Wand - Ghetto

30

Freshers week for Dummies

40

Walk Ten event

49

Fifteen year reunion of champs

They predict it nearly every year but for the first time in a long time Omagh has been basking in a true Indian summer! All over the district paddling pools were hoked back out of their hiding places in the garden shed, washing lines were a-flutter and the scent of sun lotion filled the air – bliss!

Anyway, back to business. This edition we caught up with none other than Janet Devlin, who has just launched the latest single off her album, Running with Scissors, and revealed plans to play her first ever Omagh gig this coming December at Strule.

We caught up with her to find out more about her post- X Factor success, finding her own way in the music industry, and overcoming the dreaded nerves…

Now we have been talking a lot about mental health recently, although mostly as it affects younger people; but this issue we also chatted to local solicitor Mary Murnaghan who, over the past ten years, has sadly had to learn about a common mental illness affecting the older population – dementia. Mary lost her mother to the disease last year and has become fiercely committed to fundraising for research into better awareness of the disease, and a future cure.

The arrival of autumn always kicks the social scene in Omagh back into gear and poor wee Pat is never in the house! He’s been pounding the streets of Omagh covering all sorts of functions, from dusk dawdlers at the Marie Curie Walk Ten to a fun day for Foyle Hospice in the Grange, boxing on Main Street, Glencull Primary’s launch of their new play trail, highlights from the Ben Kiely weekend, drama from Hazel Wand’s alumni at Strule plus loads more of your birthdays, celebrations and charity fundraisers. If you’re heading off to university for the first time this month don’t miss our Freshers Week for Dummies guide by seasoned student Nicola Mulligan who’s on hand to make sure you and your liver survive intact; we have timely tips on managing seasonal flu in our health focus feature; there’s autumn fashion in Ella, more musings from the Mummy Diaries and loads more!

And don’t forget our big giveaway competition! You could win one of our fantastic prizes simply by saving the coupons – and if you’ve missed an issue, drop us an email and we can arrange a back copy for you. Until next time!

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omaghtoday | 3

Breaking

As Janet Devlin prepares for her first ever Omagh gig later this year, she chats to Claire Martin about her debut album and why her hard-won success tastes all the sweeter…

“IT’S really weird. We got this dog; she’s called Luna. I get to go home so rarely and every time I do she seems massive. I feel like I’m missing her growing up!”

Janet Devlin’s reflection on her few-andfar-between chances to come home are a touching reminder of just how much the Gortin singer has given up, aged 19, to pursue her dream of a career in music.

Now living near London, Janet’s trips back home to see her family (and Luna, a golden retriever) are normally short, snatched affairs and likely to become even more infrequent now that her album, ‘Running With Scissors’, has gone on general release – though she will be home for Christmas and a very special gig in the Strule Arts Centre on December 23 as part of her UK-wide ‘My Delirium’ tour.

Of course, Janet was only 16 when she first came to national attention; a shy, doll-faced schoolgirl with a mass of blonde curls and a haunting vocal that had already won her thousands of fans on YouTube. That’s pretty young to be dealing with the ‘build ‘em up, tear ‘em down’

rigours of a show like the X Factor, for which she successfully auditioned in 2011.

Fans screamed, judges fawned, viewers voted in their tens of thousands when she reached live shows – that is, until week eight, when nerves and a near disastrous rendition of Hansen’s happy-clappy pop hit ‘Mmm-Bop’ conspired to secure Janet’s departure from the show.

The X Factor tour followed, but huge media speculation about a record deal came to nothing in the weeks and months afterwards. Meanwhile, Janet made no secret of the fact that she had clashed with producers of the hit TV show over her reluctance to perform songs she didn’t like, and to play up to the cameras or show ‘more emotion’ in order to win votes.

Call it naiveté, or bravery – but either way it looked as if Janet had missed the train to superstardom.

But then, that’s never been what she wanted.

The guaranteed Christmas number one, the talkshow appearances, the awards ceremonies – she was never interested in the trappings of ‘fame’; but she did still want to make music, so that’s what she set about doing.

“I guess I come across quite shy,” she says, “and I am shy. But I’ve found out

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that when I’m passionate about something or if there’s something I really believe in, and somebody tries to change that or mess with it, I can be pretty stubborn and defensive. I never knew that side of me existed until the X Factor! I just felt strongly that if I wasn’t going to make it by being myself then I would rather not make it at all. If you had to try and live up to a lie, a false version of yourself every day…I can’t imagine the kind of pressure that would put on a person.”

Over the past three years, Janet has devoted herself to making her career in music the old-fashioned way; not by standing in line to audition for industry moguls but by playing gigs, and rehearsing in her room and writing songs on the train and spending time in the studio.

Undoubtedly, being on a TV talent show gave her the kind of exposure she could never have previously dreamed of, but nobody could accuse the local lassie of not putting in the hard graft.

She turned down all offers of a recording contract in favour of opting to crowdfund her debut album, which was initially called ‘Hide and Seek’, through Pledge Music.

Fans were invited to contribute towards the cost of making the album in return for advance copies, exclusive merchandise and VIP experiences. While working on the album Janet collaborated with some big names in the industry, including Jack Savoretti, Joshua Radin and Newton Faulkner – of whom she had long

g the rules

just this massive sigh of relief – and then I sat down to sign loads of them,” she laughs. “It definitely felt like I had achieved something worthwhile. I’m proud of all the songs but I think my favourite is probably ‘Whiskey Lullabies’ – I just love the sound of it because it’s got this cool wind-up music box at the start and at the end, and it’s the last song on the album so I think that’s a cool way to end it.”

been a fan.

“I’d been a massive fan of Newton’s for quite a while and I actually bought Joshua Radin’s album while I was on the X Factor.

It was really weird to think that those people I had been listening to in my room were now people I was working with! My first single, Wonderful, was written with Newton and he’s had input on a lot of the songs on the album.”

‘Hide and Seek’ received a limited release last summer after Janet hit her Pledge Music target in January, just a couple of months after launching the campaign. But the high level of interest led to talks with Insomnia Music Management and shortly afterwards, they signed Janet to their own label. Her album, with the new title ‘Running With Scissors’ and a revised track listing, went on general release in June and has so far been getting great reviews – the Daily Express even went as far as to dub her the next Kate Bush following the release of her latest single, ‘Creatures of the Night’ which features a cartoon ‘Janet’ in her beloved Manga/Anime style.

I suffer from insomnia so I do a lot of writing in the middle of the night when the rest of the world is sleeping She says: “I suffer from insomnia so I do a lot of writing in the middle of the night when the rest of the world is sleeping, and ‘Creatures of the Night’ is really just about being one of those people that inhabits a night-time world! I’m like, the biggest cartoon fan so it was really fun to work on the video and I had a lot of creative input on that so it’s really influenced by the kind of cartoons I like.

“When the Daily Express compared me to

Of course with any new album launch comes the necessary promotion and live shows – something which Janet admits she still struggles with.

Kate Bush I was really flattered – I really like her music – but at the same time it’s a bit scary because you’ll always get the people coming along going ‘no way!’ I’m not sure that the style of our music is similar at all really, but she has always done her own thing, and that’s what I’m trying to do as well. I don’t really like following the rules!”

With Running With Scissors – a ten-track album filled with folksy pop and delicate ballads that perfectly showcase Janet’s porcelain vocals – she has certainly proved that breaking the rules can sometimes pay dividends. It’s hard not to be impressed by a teenager showing the strength of character to stand up to the likes of the Simon Cowell machine and hold out for full creative control when thousands like her would have sold their souls for five minutes of fame.

“When the album finally came out it was

“I get really nervous. I thought I would get over that with time and experience but I haven’t – I just get really angsty and feel sick and stuff. There’s nothing you can do – nothing anybody can do – to make it better.

Small venues are the worst – there was this one time, I can’t even remember where I was, and somebody produced a guitar and asked me to do a song and in the end up I couldn’t even finish it, I just froze,” she explains.

So with this in mind, is she nervous about her first ever gig in the intimate surroundings of the Strule? “It’s my home town! I’m very scared – I’ve never actually played a gig in Omagh before. But I’m really excited and of course it’s right before Christmas so I’m really looking forward to spending some time at home with my family. I’ll be back in London early in the New Year – I’ve been writing loads lately and I need to get used to getting out there and performing live again.

I also have some exciting things coming up that I can’t really talk about yet.”

And does she miss the country life? “I don’t really get the whole city or country thing,” she says. “Probably because I don’t go out much! I live about fifteen minutes away from London by train but I only ever go in there for work, I don’t really like walking around in the city and I’m one of these people who is always working so I’m a bit anti-social! Where I live I can still go out in the garden and see the stars at night. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Tickets for Janet’s ‘My Delirium’ tour are now available from the Box Office at Strule, priced £11. Visit www.struleartscentre. co.uk or call 028 8224 7831.

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PAGE

Engagements, weddings, babies, gossip…

well, if it’s good enough for the NewYork Post, it’s good enough for us!

Pictured with her proud parents Ryan and Laura following her christening at Omagh’s Sacred Heart Church on August 24 is beautiful baby Elsa Marie Sharkey. Elsa Marie was born on July 29 and is a much-loved baby sister for Amylee. Godparents were Leo McCullagh and Kerry O’Neill.

Mairead Falconer from Clanabogan, Omagh married Paddy McCaffery from Fermanagh on August 24 at St Mary’s Church, Drumragh followed by a reception at the Farnham Estate in Cavan where they are pictured with their bridal party. The couple spent their honeymoon in Italy. Photo: Katrina Taggart Photography.

Pictured enjoying a quiet moment at Lusty Beg Island are newlyweds Kimberly Allen and Jonathan Wallace. The couple were married on July 4 at Edenderry Parish Church and celebrated in the lakeside location afterwards with family and friends. Photo: Robert O'Brien Photography.

Newlyweds Emmett and Ciara McBride from Ballygawley, pictured following their marriage on August 8, 2014. The couple held their wedding reception at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny, and said they had an amazing day spent with family and friends.

Congratulations to proud mummy and daddy Shannon McManus and Gavan McGowan from Tattysallagh in Omagh, who welcomed this little heartbreaker, baby Fionn, into the world on August 22 weighing 7lbs 13oz. Fionn is the couple’s first child.

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Charity cycle puts Geraldine one step closer to Cuba

A large group of cyclist of all ages and abilities gathered at Main Street on September 7 for a 40-mile fun cycle organised by local woman Geraldine Wilson (far left) to help raise the necessary funds to send her to Cuba in November for a once-in-a-lifetime charity trek in the countryside around Havana. Geraldine will

spend nine days in South America and the money raised will go towards the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children, who have been a lifeline to Geraldine's family since her grandson Jack was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder. The cycle event raised over £400.

New vase in memory of Elizabeth Giles presented to Fintona WI

President Evelyn Telford welcomed members back to Fintona WI after the summer break for their recent AGM. Two new members were welcomed to the meeting, namely Mary Faulkner and Laine Turner. The committee members elected were Jean Bell, Irene Booth, Ruth Boyd, Iris Clarke, Amanda Deazley, Sandra Dowdalls, Gwen Evans, Stephanie McLean, Margaret Rainey, Evelyn Telford, Helen Thompson and Coral Young. The officers elected were President, Evelyn Telford; Deputy President, Jean Bell; Secretary, Iris Clarke; Treasurer, Sandra Dowdalls; PRO, Ruth Boyd; Tea Hostess, Amanda Deazley and craft representatives Stephanie McLean and Helen Thompson.

Earlier in the meeting Charlene Giles presented a beautiful vase in memory of her sister-in-law the late Elizabeth Giles who was

an esteemed member of Fintona WI. Evelyn Telford received the vase on behalf of her family and friends who were in attendance at the meeting. Margaret Rainey gave an appreciation of Elizabeth's dedication and devotion to Fintona WI. The competition was for the largest amount of change in your purse, the winner was new member Mary Faulkner with Lydia Mitchell second and Val Wilson was third. Iris Clarke was presented with the Trixie Crawford Bowl for coming first in the monthly competitions 2013-14 and Sandra Dowdalls and Stephanie McLean who came joint second shared the Bunty Bell Cup and the Elizabeth Giles Memorial Vase. Tea was served by the committee and the meeting concluded with the singing of the country woman’s song.

Baillies Mills accordion band to visit Seskinore THE renowned Baillies Mills Accordion Band from County Down will be visiting Seskinore on Friday, September 26 for a special one off variety concert. This has been organized by the Church of Ireland in Seskinore who are hoping to raise money for essential repairs in the Chapel of Ease Churchyard, although the concert itself will be held in the McIlroy Hall at the Presbyterian Church on Letfern Road, beginning at 8pm.

Baillies Mills Accordion omaghtoday | 8

Band have been playing their distinctive brand of music since 1939 and in recent years have travelled extensively, playing at the Lord Mayor’s show in London, Norway’s

Day of Independence celebrations, the Battle of Flowers Parade in Jersey as well as engagements all over Northern Ireland, Donegal, England and Scotland. They have produced five CDs and two DVDs which will be on sale on the night.

Everybody is welcome and tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for under 18s, available from David Moses (0784 0117866) or on the door on the night if any are still available.

Against the

dying of the light Omagh solicitor Mary Murnaghan on her mother’s long battle with dementia, and why she’s determined to fundraise for research into a cure…

MENTAL health has been a hot topic of late; but when this phrase comes up most of us think about illnesses that usually manifest themselves in the prime of life; things like depression or bipolar.

Yet one of the most common mental illnesses affecting our society is one that affects mostly older people – dementia. This insidious disease affects a staggering one in six people over the age of 80 in the UK and what’s more, there is no cure.

Omagh solicitor Mary Murnaghan is someone who, sadly, knows what these statistics mean in real terms, having lost her mother to dementia just last year, ten years after she was first diagnosed.

Her experiences over the past decade have made Mary determined to fundraise for more research into dementia; in 2011 she scaled Mount Kilimanjaro, raising a staggering £10,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society and last year she climbed not one but FOUR mountains in Ecuador to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Mary’s fundraising has been inspired all along by the indomitable spirit of her beloved mum.

Born in Omagh, Eileen Murnaghan lived the early part of her life in Sligo, where her father worked as a psychiatrist. She returned to the town of her birth after her father died in 1929 but went on to complete her schooling and university education in Dublin.

Mary explains: “She achieved a degree in languages and took up employment in Dublin initially as a French teacher but I think soon realised that was not for her and she became the personal assistant to the President of UCD, Dr Tierney. Through that she was acquainted with many of the public personalities who rose to prominence in 1980s and 1990s. She was interested in current affairs, was dynamic in her thinking and had a good grasp of many topics and subjects. I remember her as a very intelligent lady who went quietly about her business. She shunned the limelight, but her influence was always felt in questions of morality and life.”

Eileen later met and married Gerry Murnaghan, a solicitor in his own father’s practice in Omagh, and life was suitably busy for many years with a large family to care for. With Gerry’s death in 1983 Eileen was made a widow but still lived a normal, active life and maintained her previous interests. It wasn’t until almost 20 years later, in 2001, that she herself began to feel that something wasn’t right and sought advice at Dr Flynn’s memory clinic in Omagh.

“We would have noted a few isolated incidents before that,” Mary says, “but at the time, while they were concerning, they did not individually amount to anything too much. It is only in hindsight that you can see that they were a beginning. She was in her early 80s. At that time I was told that she might not recognise us in 6 months' time. Thankfully that did not happen - she retained her memory of her family for quite a length of time.”

Nevertheless, over the years that followed the whole family had to adjust to a new reality. A stroke two years after Eileen’s diagnosis compounded her condition and she eventually required nursing home care. As is so often the case, the illness progressed in phases with periods of deterioration and plateaus when it appeared to be fairly stable. However in June 2013, after a long, determined and dignified fight, Eileen passed away.

“I would describe my Mum as being a mentally very able and intelligent woman, who fought as long as she could, until there was nothing left,” Mary reflects. “She was such a lady, so easy to look after during her illness, and was an inspiration to me throughout all that time - perhaps it didn't always seem like that while we were in the middle of it, but I look back now and feel privileged to have been here to help her.

“The sad thing about dementia is that it is a slow erosion of the person, affecting not only them but the immediate and wider family

circle. It happens almost imperceptibly at first. I was devastated when the doctor told me about the diagnosis originally, I felt that 'embarrassment' of a mental illness diagnosis, and the fear of the future about which, at that time, I was totally ignorant.”

Over the course of a decade caring for her mother, Mary was also struck by the significance of medical advances that mean our population is now living longer than ever before. It’s too late for Eileen; but for the thousands of people that will be diagnosed with dementia this year, and next year, and the one after that – with research there is still hope of a better prognosis, and even a cure.

Following her 2013 climbs in Ecuador, Mary resolved to further fundraise and has set herself a target of £20,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK. As part of this target, she is currently organizing a fabulous Gala Ball event to be held at the Silverbirch Hotel on October 4. This glittering black tie event will feature music from Bob Quick and his Big Band which has been generously sponsored

by Dalradian Gold Limited. Local businesses and benefactors having generously sponsored prizes which will be auctioned on the evening.

The theme is Dazzle in Diamonds, and the tickets are selling quickly. The style, which is reminiscent of the stylish 1950s, will allow ladies to sparkle and gentlemen to shine, and everyone to enjoy an evening of glamour and elegance beginning with a Champagne Reception - together in support of a great cause!

Tickets to this fabulous event are priced £75 and are available by contacting Mary on 07707 055722. You can also support her fundraising efforts via Just Giving – visit www.justgiving.com/ MaryMurnaghan2014 omaghtoday | 9

TALKOFTHETOWN Disappointment at GPs’ failure to complete lifesaving course CANCER campaigners in Omagh have slammed they know about it and encourage more uptake. the low uptake of a free training course by GPs that PCA have also indicated that they are willing to could help them to spot the early signs of pancreatic come and do educational seminars here. There has cancer, dubbed the ‘silent killer’ because it is so been no change in the survival rate for pancreatic often missed by health professionals until it’s too cancer for 40 years and it’s time for change right now. I lost Noel 7 months after diagnosis and late.

Over half of all pancreatic cancers are diagnosed another local family recently lost their loved on just in A&E departments when patients present with 17 days afterwards. Early diagnosis is crucial both symptoms constituting an emergency. In these for improving survival rates and also giving families cases, the one-year survival rate is dramatically more time together.” lowered. In many of these instances, the patient Kerry has also been working closely with West will have presented repeatedly to their GP with fairly Tyrone MLA Tom Buchanan on this issue and the nondescript symptoms that are often mistaken for duo are currently aiming to have a similar debate held in Stormont. Kerry expressed her gratitude back problems or irritable bowel syndrome.

Omagh woman Kerry Irvine, whose husband to Tom and his colleague Adele Crawford for their Noel died from pancreatic cancer in 2011, has support in driving this agenda forward. experience of this exact scenario. Last week, Kerry Speaking last week Mr Buchanan also expressed his travelled with a number of other campaigners from disappointment at the low uptake of the e-learning around the UK to attend a debate in the Houses of module: “It is a serious concern that right across Parliament on the need for increased funding and the UK, GPs are failing to diagnose cancer and they awareness of the disease. The debate came about are missing symptoms which could save a person’s life,” he said. “While I am as a direct result of an aware that some cancers online petition started by a are more difficult to detect group of people bereaved than others, there appears by the disease, which to be a general feeling achieved its target of that only as a last resort 100,000 signatures earlier is cancer put forward as a this year. possible diagnosis.

The debate was emotional “Many GPs believe and hugely positive, with pancreatic cancer to many of the MPs sharing be a silent killer where their own personal symptoms don’t present experiences of pancreatic until it is too late. This is not cancer; but while the ball the case in many patients has been set rolling at who present to their GPs national level, Kerry says Kerry Irvine pictured with Corrie star Julie up to 10 times in some there is still more work to Hesmondhalgh at the pancreatic cancer cases and are being treated do at grassroots level. debate in Westminster for completely unrelated Kerry said: “This is a free, fully-accredited e-learning module that takes just problems. It is time that GPs avail of these sorts of 40 minutes to complete and has been developed by up to date courses to keep themselves informed of the Royal College of GPs and the charity Pancreatic new research which may not have been available Cancer Action. I was gobsmacked to learn that when they did their training. This course takes of 1200 GPs in Northern Ireland, only 56 have 40 minutes to complete online. I feel that it is of such importance that I have contacted all the GP completed the module.

“I am currently in the process of personally practices in the West Tyrone area and have asked contacting all GP practice managers to make sure them to consider taking this course.”

now at McGirr's SPAR,

ANDERSON GARDENS/TOWNVIEW Omagh.

Oodles of taste . . . . less fat

omaghtoday | 10

Omagh Lions welcome new president

Geraldine O'Reilly who was installed as the new chairperson of Omagh Lions Club at their recent AGM.

Guide Dogs need your help!

THE Omagh branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind are appealing for volunteers to help with a street collection on Saturday, September 27 from 10am-6pm and and Sunday, September 28 from 1pm-6pm. As the saying goes, many hands make light work and anybody who can spare an hour or even two will be made most welcome.

The collection takes place at Poundstretcher on Scarffe’s Entry. To join in contact Brian McDonagh on 07514 084688.

Tensions stoked as gold mine awaits planning green light TENSIONS over the gold mine at Cavanacaw near Omagh were stoked again at the weekend after it emerged that Planning Service has recommended approval of an application by Omagh Minerals Ltd, owned by Canadian company Galantas Gold, to retain some 40 passing bays it had constructed on public roads around the mine.

The decision has shocked local residents because two years ago, Planning Service did not contest a move to quash their approval of the same application in the High Court, after it was challenged by environmental campaigners. In 2012 the Service was ordered to pay compensation to several residents for their failure to stop the removal of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of rock from the site by fleets of lorries using the area’s narrow road network.

Omagh Minerals confirmed on Monday that it was also anticipating a ruling on a second planning application, to permit the commencement of underground mining at the Cavanacaw site.

Shares in its parent corporation Galantas surged in value at the beginning of the month after a revised estimate of the gold resources available at the site was revealed and showed a 55% increase in the measured resource as well as a 21.4% increase in the indicated resource, compared to a resource report released in 2013.

Operations at the site have been significantly scaled back since the

High Court ruling in 2012 but speaking this week Deputy General Manager Ronan Conway said if planning for the underground mine was granted, it could create up to 150 jobs. He also moved to allay concerns about the resumption of earth moving.

“The success of the project is very much linked to the success of the planning application but as things stand the consultation process has been completed and as far as we are aware any outstanding issues and concerns have been dealt with. We are hopeful of a determination in the near future. The movement of any rock we currently have on site has been provided for within the current planning application and we would anticipate that this will be minimal; we have no immediate plans for the removal of any rock from the site.

“We would also wish to clarify that contrary to allegations made by third parties, there is no contamination of surplus country rock and also that water leaving the site is less acidic than the water coming in and meets all current environmental standards. In addition to this, the process of underground mining has a much more limited impact on the environment, from a visual perspective, than the current open cast mine, as well as having many potential benefits for the local community,” he said.

Culture Night returns to Omagh

FOLLOWING the huge success of last year’s event, Culture Night returns to Omagh for 2014 with a number of local venues and businesses throwing open their doors tomorrow night (19th) – for free!

Sorcha McAnespy, Chair, Strule Arts Centre Advisory Committee, Members of Strule Arts Centre Advisory Committee Councillor Errol Thompson and Gerry Knight, George Bradshaw Tourism Manager Strule Arts Centre, John Hall Arts and Culture Sub Committee, Geraldine O'Reilly Strule Arts Centre Advisory Committee and Hungarian Dancers - participants of Culture Night 2014.

From 6pm –11pm locals and visitors will enjoy the unique experience of Culture Night, a free night of entertainment, discovery and adventure with lots of opportunities for members of the public to explore, experience and enjoy local culture.

Join Vincent Brogan for a special tour of Omagh for a rare insight into the historical development of Omagh Town and learn about the characters and major events. Enjoy the magnificent architecture and character of the Court House. The Open Door Poetry Group invite you to the The Weigh Inn, where they will be joined by the band The Rusty Rednecks to celebrate Culture Night. The exquisite McKenna Gallery has opened its doors and invites you to peruse its wonderful works of art.

Other venues to enjoy on the evening include Mullaghmore House, filled with period antiques, vintage curiosities, formal gardens and an art exhibition by local artist Sharyn Kelly. You can experience music by Spires Art’s multi-talented designer, Anne-Marie Devine, whilst browsing original artwork displayed in the gallery. Further afield, see the musical talents of local people at Sixmilecross, explore the heritage of Tyrone GAA at the Garvaghey Centre, or for some creative delights stop by Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre, Tattykeel Design Studio or the An Creagán Visitor Centre.

Meanwhile Strule Arts Centre will be a hive of vibrant artistic flair - you can experience a variety of entertainment from Hungarian dancers, samba bands, ballroom dance displays, short film screenings, art workshops and much more!

Check out Omagh District Council or Strule Arts Centre website, and social media for the full programme of events for Culture Night 2014.

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Foyle hospice fun day at the Grange

Noelle Campbell, Michelle McGinn and Margaret McAleer with Mickey and Minnie at a fun day in the Grange Park, Omagh on Saturday. The event was organised to raise funds for Foyle Hospice.

Turning back the years at the corn cutting in Garvaghey Omagh councillor Allan Rainey with Robbie Clarke turning back the years at Robbie's farm in Garvaghey, Ballygawley last week.

Allan, a collector of vintage agricultural machinery, was delighted with the timely spell of harvest weather.

The crop had been planted, earlier in the year, as part of the Ballygawley and Roscavey Rural Bygones project and will be threshed, vintage style, during the 2015 bygones activity day on the last Saturday in March. omaghtoday | 12

Tony's Into the Light Exhibition Local fine art photographer Tony Moore pictured alongside some of the pieces he currently has on display in Omagh's Community House. Visitors can expect two exhibitions in one when they visit; the first, 'Into the Light' is a collection of captivating images from local landmarks and Omagh streetscapes captured after dark, while a smaller, secondary exhibit entitled 'Prints of Darkness' is sure to appeal to horror fans and move buffs alike, as it features a set of exclusive photos taken on the set of Hollywood blockbuster, 'Dracula Untold' which was partly filmed at Omagh History Park last summer.

Community defibrillator installed in Fintona Fintona Senior Citizens Club were recently awarded funding from the Hunters Hill Wind Farm community awards for a defibrillator which was installed at Super valu in the town last Friday.

Left: Mark Montgomery from Medilink Services, Belfast, who supplied and fitted the equipment with Jenny Wilson, Supervalu and Sally McCarney, Senior Citizens Club. Right: Bernie Harkin, Practice nurse at Fintona Medical Centre demonstrates how the equipment should be used. Further details are available from members of the Senior Citizens Club or local businesses.

Vintage show in Carmen

Gearing up for a vintage day in aid of Action Cancer and Termonmaguirc Cancer Patients Comfort Fund are Jean Coyle, Eugene Haughey, Jason McCartan, Mickey Haughey, Vincent Meenagh and Joey Kelly. The now annual vintage show will take place in Haughey's field, Carrickmore on Saturday, 27th September starting at 12 noon and will run 'til late.

There will be a display of vintage tractors and cars, McGarvey's steam engines, men's and women's Tug O War, bouncy castle, butter and cheese making, bread making, pony rides, stalls and ice cream. The Bleeding Cowboys will also join in the craic and provide music for dancing. Further details from Mickey on 07747 186617

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100

Can you believe it? We can’t! We are now at issue 95 of everyone’s favourite local magazine which means the milestone 100th issue isn’t far away! To celebrate, we are launching an amazing giveaway with prizes for all the family! Since Omagh Today launched way back in December 2010 (in the middle of the ‘Big Freeze’!) we have been blown away by the fantastic feedback and incredible support from the people of Omagh. So many people have picked up the phone, sent emails

Countdown Giveaway!!!

£100 in cash!

You could win… £500 voucher for the Adipose clinic

Win a ‘Friday Night Delight’ at Killyhevlin Hotel We’ve teamed up with the 4* Killyhevlin Hotel & Spa in Enniskillen to offer one lucky winner the chance to win a ‘Friday Night Delight’ for two guests sharing! This prize includes an overnight stay with tempting 4-Course Dinner, breakfast the next morning and full use of the Killyhevlin Health Club complete with indoor swimming pool and outdoor hot tub.

Commanding stunning views overlooking scenic Lough Erne, the Killyhevlin Hotel is without doubt Fermanagh’s leading four star hotel featuring luxury hotel accommodation, lakeside chalets, Elemis Spa, and Health Club. For anyone who has always dreamed of holding a fairy-tale wedding this is without doubt the venue for you! For bookings and enquiries please call: +44(0)2866323481 or visit www.killyhevlin.com

Opened earlier this year Adipose Clinic promises guaranteed inch loss and a smoother, slimmer silhouette without diets or hours at the gym! Using the very latest laser lipolysis technology that targets stubborn areas of fat and quite literally melts them away before your eyes. The treatment is painless and completely noninvasive so there’s no bruising or scarring – laser pads are applied to the skin which triggers a natural reaction in the body, causing fat cells to release their contents and allowing the fatty acids to be metabolized and drained by the body’s lymphatic system. We have a fabulous course of eight treatments worth £500 to give away – most people see results after the first session and you can expect to lose up to 12cm on average from tummies, arms, thighs and anywhere else you fancy!

or Facebook messages, taken their magazine on holiday, posted it to relatives in far-flung locations – and we appreciate every one!

We want these fabulous prizes to reward that amazing loyalty so our regular readers will find it easy to enter – simply cut out the coupon from the competition page in issue 95-99, then in issue 100 fill in the coupon and post the whole lot to us. Winners will then be drawn and published in issue 101!

Terms and Conditions: Prize is subject to availability and valid for six months. Prize is as stated and excludes holiday periods.

Tickets to see Conal Gallen at Strule!

Since he made his first TV appearance on the Late Late show back in 2012, Conal Gallen has taken Irish comedy by storm with no less than 10 DVDs and sell-out performances up and down the country! Conal returns to Strule on December 5 and 6 with his

Needs no explaining really – whether a little extra to ease the pressure, or something to treat yourself with, who couldn’t do with some extra cash?! This one’s courtesy of us here at Omagh Today…

A kettle and toaster Thanks to the lovely folks at DAC we have a stylish kettle and toaster set to give away!

Start your day off in style and give your kitchen a revamp with these gorgeous small appliances from the Accents range by Morphy Richards!

A studio session with Katrina Taggart Family snaps are great but when it comes to capturing precious memories nothing beats a professional photography session – and Omagh photographer Katrina Taggart is an expert at doing just that! Whether you’ve got something special to celebrate – maybe a new addition to the family or a special milestone – or ‘just because’, a session at Katrina’s studio will never disappoint. We have a group studio session plus a framed keepsake of your day to give away! side-splitting new show ‘A Bit on the Side’ and we have a pair of hot tickets to the Saturday night show (worth £20 each) to give away!

97 competition entry coupon issue

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IN THE

HOTSEAT! Shane McGread

In the hotseat this edition we have Omagh-based personal trainer Shane McGread! Shane’s been running his own business, SMG Fitness, for just over a year now and works with everyone from complete beginners to seasoned athletes! Whether it’s weight loss, fitness or conditioning he offers a great range of classes and gym sessions to meet your needs, not to mention diet plans for a complete service…even if the way to his heart IS with a bag of Walker’s Ruffles!

1. Name Shane McGread

It has to be the Shawshank Redemption; I love how Tim Robbins is so calm in prison even though he’s innocent. Great storyline!

2. Occupation Personal Trainer

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Crisps! As a personal trainer I shouldn’t give in to temptation but I just can’t resist Walkers Ruffles!

Last book you read Matt Roberts’ Fitness for Life manual – it was really good and I learnt a lot that I’ll be able to pass on to my own clients.

What’s the very first thing you do when you wake up?

Quite sad but I check Facebook to see if I've messages and what new people are following me!

If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would buy?

I’d buy commercial property big enough for a gym, swimming pool, sauna and studios for classes.

What’s your favourite film of all time?

What’s your most annoying/disgusting habit?

I think I'm perfect but my wife would say otherwise - with being on my feet all day my smelly socks lying on the bedroom floor can be a bit disgusting!

If you could choose your own epitaph, what would it be?

‘Just for the craic!’ My clients will understand!

Who would your five fantasy dinner guests be?

I’d choose Bear Grylls, Will Smith, Del Boy Trotter, Matt Roberts and Mila Kunis.

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Seasonal Flu With children back to school and the weather on the turn, we are all bracing ourselves for an onslaught of cold and flu-type infections that cause common winter ailments such as coughs, runny noses, temperatures and general cold weather misery. But what exactly is flu – how does it differ from the common cold, and when should you be worried?

Flu is an infectious and common viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It's not the same as the common cold. Flu is caused by a different group of viruses. Symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer. You can catch flu – short for influenza – all year round, but it is especially common in winter, which is why it is also known as ‘seasonal flu’. Flu causes a sudden high temperature, headache and general aches and pains, tiredness and a sore throat.

You can also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a cough.

Flu symptoms can make you feel so exhausted and unwell that you have to stay in bed and rest until you feel better. If you have flu, you generally start to feel ill within a few days of being infected.

Symptoms peak after two to three days and you should begin to feel much better after a week or so, although you may feel tired for much longer.

When to see a doctor

surfaces like door handles, telephone handsets and computer keyboards.

It’s also possible to vaccinate against flu. The vaccine is available to many people in ‘at risk’ groups where catching the flu could potentially cause more complications than normal, or who are very prone to catching flu. This includes the elderly, pregnant women, young children, frontline health and social care workers, people with certain medical conditions and also people who are carers.

Recently the Public Health Agency announced that all primary school children in Northern Ireland will receive the flu vaccination this year. This follows a pilot scheme last year when all 2-3 yearolds and all primary six children received the vaccine. The flu vaccination for children is given in the form of a nasal spray which avoids the use of needles. It delivers a small and much-weakened but live dose of the flu virus which does not normally cause any side-effects. It has a proven safety record and will not give your child the flu. The most common side effect after the vaccination is a runny nose. As with all vaccines, some children may feel unwell a day or two after vaccination and some may develop a fever. This is usually short-lived and is much less unpleasant than the flu. You will receive a letter from your GP surgery if your child is eligible for vaccination, or you can contact them directly.

If you are otherwise fit and healthy, there is usually no need to see a doctor if you have flu-like symptoms. The best remedy is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve aches.

You should see a doctor if you have flu-like symptoms and you: • are aged 65 or over • are pregnant • have a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease or a neurological disease • have a weakened immune system This is because flu can be more serious for you, and your doctor may want to prescribe antiviral medication. Antiviral medicine can lessen the symptoms of flu and shorten its duration, but treatment needs to begin soon after flu symptoms start for it to be effective.

Antibiotics are of no use in the treatment of flu because they are only effective against infections caused by bacteria, not by viruses.

Sometimes, bacterial infections – for example in the ear or chest – can develop as a complication of the flu virus. In this case your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Preventing the spread of flu

The flu virus is spread in small droplets of fluid. These can be airborne - coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person – or transferred to surfaces and directly to other people on your fingers. You can help prevent the spread of flu by practicing good hygiene – covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, disposing of used tissues immediately, washing your hands regularly with soap and water, and regularly cleaning IF YOU ARE AT ALL CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR OWN OR YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH, ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR GP WESTERN URGENT CARE OUT OF HOURS - 028 7186 5195 omaghtoday | 16

Hazel Wand - Ghetto

Audiences at the Strule Arts Centre were held spellbound on consecutive nights from August 28-31 by gripping performances of Joshua Sobol’s hard-hitting drama, Ghetto by the Golden Apples Players – alumni of the Hazel Wand Theatre School. Set in a Jewish ghetto in Nazi Germany, the play tells a moving and at times brutal tale about the resilience of the human spirit.

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As it was to where it is now No. 97 Andy Gordon

How is it that every time I sit down to write this half page, I get the feeling that it’s the first time I have used my laptop!

Honestly, I have a suspicion that I am regressing, and getting more like Charlie boy. If he has a problem – and let’s be frank, he has a boot load of them, but I’m talking specifically computer problems here – he gets on the phone to one of his numerous grand-children and has them walk him through the solution step by step. But if that doesn’t work one of them will drive – yes, he really is that old – up to Creggan and slowly, ever so slowly, step after deliberate step, take him through a process that hopefully will end up with him remembering what to do next time. Some chance, I hear you saying!

Well, I have just approached the laptop, and under Charlie’s instructions, have agreed to write about songs that bring back special memories for me. And you know what? I don’t think I’ve ever seen this page setup before - I know, I find it hard to believe too. Usually, the page pops up and I start typing, and all is well. But not this time! Oh no! This time the page is split, with the typing bit taking up the two thirds on the right of the page, and the other one third on the left, sitting there, daring me to press a few buttons to get my old set up back. I can hear my ECDL tutor, Fiona, and our dear leader, Claire, almost choke in their coffee at the simplistic nature of this situation. All I have to do is press a few keys and it will be back to normal. I know! But which keys to press?

There are precisely 102 keys on my laptop. And as all you experts know, there are also combinations of keys to perform particular functions. Do you seriously think I am going to start pressing keys willy-nilly until something miraculously happens? Not on your life! And I do not have a posse of grandchildren to help me. I know that I have been boasting about my one and only – Jack - and how wonderful and brilliant he is, but at just 11 months, he has not encountered anything like my laptop, so will be of little use solving this problem – well, not for a few months anyway!!

And talking of our dear leader, she recently posted a song on Facebook and challenged us all to post a song that we like.

She will give us a letter –hers was J - and all we have to do is come up with a video of a song starting with that letter and post it. That’s all!

In my day, you sat down, wrote a letter – with lots of other letters, making lots of words – folded it, placed it into an envelope (remember them?) – addressed it, stuck a stamp on it and dropped it into a post box – like the big red thing, outside Subway in Campsie. That was how to post something. Today I am reeling from digital overload. I’m afraid to touch any key on the laptop; I can just about get a comment, and maybe a photo, onto something like Facebook, but finding and posting videos are a step too far. And as for tagging? Oh how my head hurts! So, I have written this preamble on a sheet of A4, with my fountain pen, placed it into a big brown envelope, driven up the old bog road and shoved it through her letterbox!

Memories through song – next time, I promise!

Charlie Taggart

I have listened to Sammy Kershaw’s latest CD, ‘Do You Know Me? – A Tribute to George Jones’ but I was rather disappointed. Tribute albums should include an interpretation of the material, and possibly new insights into the original artist - not copy his phrasing and musical arrangements as closely as Sammy does on his album. omaghtoday | 18

The only new song is ‘Do You Know Me?’ This song was especially written for George, but not recorded by him. I have started listening to George’s earlier recordings so, I suppose, I must thank Sammy for that! George’s early hard country arrangements, on superb songs, with his vocal interpretations influenced by Hank Williams’ honky-tonk style, are a joy to listen to.

Hank Williams was born Hiram Williams on 17th September 1923 in Mount Olive, Butler County, Alabama. Hank has inspired many other artists who acknowledge this, and his songs are still being recorded today. Bobby Bare is quoted as saying “if you want to know what was going on in the world during a particular decade listen to country music from that era”. The same could be said of Hank Williams’ life - instead of giving a lot of interviews, he told his story in his songs. Hank was born with the congenital disorder spina bifida and was in constant pain for most of his life. His darker, troubled, selfdestructive side could partly be blamed on the medication combined with the alcohol he was taking to deal with the pain.

Bob Dylan is another artist who has repeatedly acknowledged Hank Williams as one of his strongest and earliest influences.

In 2001 Dylan recorded ‘I Can’t Get You Off My Mind’ on the Williams tribute album Timeless. Ten years later he organised a group of artists to record tracks for ‘The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams’. The singer-songwriters on this CD created melodies and lyrics for song fragments that Williams had never completed. I am sure interest in Hank Williams will continue to intrigue and inspire people.

On 13th August 1988 Willie Nelson becomes the first artist ever to have an album spend 10 years on the Billboard country charts as ‘Stardust’ logs its 520th week. On 21st September 1990 The Internal Revenue Service placed liens totalling $16.7 million on Willie Nelson’s property to guarantee that he pays $6.5 million in back taxes. Thankfully they eventually worked out a deal to resolve the situation. Charitable country stars are noted for giving time and money to worthy causes, none more so than Naomi Judd who is auctioning some of her treasured possessions to help Tucker’s House, an organisation that helps families with disabled children. Among the items being auctioned are a 1920’s style radio she listened to before becoming a big star in Nashville, and also a custom red, white and blue guitar given to her by Buck Owens. At another auction on October 5th at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, 2000 items belonging to the late Waylon Jennings, including Hank Williams’ cowboy boots and an Ariel Cyclone motorcycle Buddy Holly bought in 1958, are up for grabs. This auction is to benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital and an important item from the auction is the original Highwaymen contract signed by Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, who we remember passed away on12th September 2003 at Nashville’s Baptist Hospital.

An elderly gentleman was having a few physical problems and decided to pay visit to his doctor. The doctor told the old man that he had to drink lukewarm water one hour before breakfast every day. At the end of the week the man returned for another doctor’s appointment. The concerned doctor asked the old man if he was feeling better. The man answered that he actually felt worse. The doctor asked the old man – “Did you drink warm water an hour before breakfast each day?” “No” replied the man, “all I could manage was fifteen minutes”.

The 13th Benedict Kiely Literary Weekend

Dr. Liam Kelly, Professor of Irish Councillor Sorcha McAnespie, Bernard MacLaverty, Visual Culture at Univerisity of writer, former Omagh man Gerard Lynch, playwright, Ulster who officially opened the 2013 musician, literary correspondent, Marie McGrath and weekend Arthur McCrory at the Benedict Kiely weekend.

Darragh McDonald, Billy McCrory and Sam McDonald, representing the sponsors Teeling Whiskey Ltd., who was one of the weekend speakers.

READ/BUY ONLINE! at www.omaghtoday.com omaghtoday | 19

Trust launches calendar of mental health events The Western Trust is leading the way in the promotion of mental health and suicide prevention through a number of planned events taking place over the next month.

Launched on September 10 to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, the Trust’s calendar of events will run until World Mental Health Day on October 10 and will bring together a range of people from the community, voluntary and statutory sectors who are committed to the promotion of positive mental health and the prevention of suicide in our community.

Planned events include seminars on wellbeing and resilience, suicide intervention training, mental health first aid and internet safety.

Trevor Millar, Director of Adult Mental Health and Disability Services for the Western Trust said: “This calendar details a number of training and awareness events between World Suicide Prevention Day and World Mental Health Day and both are key dates in the mental health calendar. It is important to promote positive mental wellbeing for everyone and so activities which focus our attention on positive mental health are essential.”

Brendan Bonner, Head of the PHA’s Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement (West), and co-chair of the Western Emotional Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention Strategy Implementation Group said: "The PHA recognises that suicide is a hugely complex issue and continues to influence and support initiatives that will shape attitudes to, and awareness of, health issues, as well as raising awareness of health in its broadest context. Many aspects of life impact on our health and wellbeing, including the environment we live in, poverty, isolation, relationships and employment to mention just a few. The calendar of events reflects some of the investment the PHA are making in the West in terms of suicide prevention and the promotion of positive emotional wellbeing."

If you are in distress or despair counsellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Lifeline (0808 808 8000) to listen to

you and give you the help and support you need, in confidence.

A copy of the calendar of events is available on the Trust's website: www.westerntrust.hscni.net and Facebook site.

For more information about the series of planned events in the Western Trust, Marie Dunne, depending on availability can facilitate interview requests. These requests should be directed to the Trust’s Communications

From Left to Right – Eilish McCloskey, Health Improvement Officer, Western Trust; Yvonne McWhirter, Head of Primary Care Liaison Service, Western Trust; Marie Dunne, Health Improvement Assistant Manager, Western Trust and Ailish O’Neill, Health & Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer, Public Health Agency.

‘Grand day out’ for Mencap’s Link Me participants BENEFICIARIES from Mencap Northern Ireland’s ‘Link Me’ project in Omagh recently enjoyed a ‘grand day out’ by the seaside in Newcastle, County Down as part of the initial process designed to match them up with their volunteers for the rest of the programme.

The Link Me project, which is for older people with a learning disability aged 55 from the Omagh and Carrickfergus areas, aims to enhance the wellbeing of older people with a learning disability by providing opportunities for them to take part in the life of their community, with the support of a volunteer.

This could mean trying out new activities and doing the things they want to do.

Sinead McElduff, Link Me project’s local officer explained the importance of the day, which saw 20 people with a learning disability and volunteers come together for the trip: “Link Me is primarily about lessening the exclusion often felt by older people with a learning disability by listening to them and helping them take part in social and leisure activities in their local community.

“This trip was important in moving the project forward, matching volunteers with beneficiaries so we can begin to support them to do the things they want to do. We had a fun day out together, but it also had a very important and practical purpose.”

Mary O’Brien, one of the beneficiaries from Omagh said that she enjoyed her day out by the omaghtoday | 20

seaside: “I hadn’t been to Newcastle before and it’s a nice wee place. We walked up the town just to look around and get a present for my friend and had some fish and chips. I am looking forward to being on the project so I can meet new people and go to the cinema.”

Tracey Murphy, one of the Link Me volunteers from Omagh said: “I moved to Omagh recently and wanted to get involved in the community, so I volunteered for Link Me. I have volunteered before and have always found it personally rewarding. I really enjoyed the day and being with Mary.”

The half million pound. three and a half year project is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and run in partnership with Volunteer Now and in association with two Mencap local groups, Omagh and Carrickfergus senior gateway clubs.

Noelle’s Coffee Morning for Parkinsons

Noelle Wilson, fifth from right, (top centre) who held a coffee morning in her home at Sherwood Close, Fintona on Saturday, 6th September to raise funds for the Parkinsons UK Omagh branch charity. Noelle is pictured with family members and friends who helped make the morning a big success.

Bazaar and Rummage delights audiences at The Basement

MEMBERS of Omagh’s Stagefright Theatre Company became the first group to tread the boards at Omagh’s newest arts venue, The Basement at Community House, when they put on their adaptation of Sue Townsend’s hilariously irreverent comedy, Bazaar and Rummage. Starring Teri Colgan as the batty Gwenda, plus Michaela McManus, Jill McKenna, Veronica McAfee, Seoirse McElduff and Leanne O’Neill as a motley crew of agoraphobics, the intimate setting was a perfect foil for for two nights of hilarity interspersed with poignant moments written in Townsend’s acutely observant style. Another hugely successful run under the belt for Stagefright, who are no doubt already mulling over their next production!

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I am not sure how long ago I bought this card but I do remember that I paid significantly more than I was paying for Omagh cards at the time. The difference was that Omagh cards were much more plentiful at the time. This is one of two Trillick cards I have, both of Main Street. The reason I was, and am, attracted to cards of Trillick is that since my grandmother was born in Corryglass and although I have always associated it with Fintona it was equidistant to Trillick.

Also I have always been drawn to local cards which show people and activity. This card was posted in July 1938 although I would have thought it possibly dates from an earlier date. In truth it is difficult to date this card. A note on the reverse says that there is a Royal Irish Constabulary station on the right hand side. In addition a policeman, in a cape, stands in the centre of the scene. Trillick was a policing district and there were regular Petty Sessions held in the town. It was not unusual to see a policeman in early postcards.

No doubt someone would have alerted the station that there was a photographer setting up in the street and the policeman would have felt obliged to keep an eye on him. Without the posting date I would have placed this card in the late 1910s or early 1920s. Although not usual some cards have been kept and posted at a later date.

If this is indeed the 1930s then I would have expected to see evidence of motorised transport, whereas the only transport here

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is a high-sided turf cart on the right and a jaunting cart on the left. Possibly pointing to an earlier date but again not conclusive.

The men in this photograph are well dressed. I say men because I cannot see any women present in this scene. It may well be that this was some kind of special occasion but for the life of me I cannot imagine what. There was a fair on the fourteenth of each month and a butter and egg market each Saturday but this scene does not look like a fair day or market. Neither is there any sign of a parade or carnival type procession.

There is no publisher or photographer listed on this card. I note from the 1899 street directory that there was a photographer, W Davies, within the town. By 1907 there is no mention of a photographer so perhaps there was little business and that could explain why there are so few postcards of the town available. I have seen photos but not postcards of Bundoran Junction which was about two miles outside the town, the station being on the Great Northern Railway line between Omagh and Enniskillen.

The one thing I have learnt about local history and photographs is there is always someone who knows more about the subject than you do. Perhaps they know of a reference in a book or paper which tells the story. What I like about street scenes is that they tell their own tale of the past.

Bluegrass blues

An Omagh’s girl’s take on life...

I don’t know what it was this year that made me go along to the Bluegrass Festival; age probably, boredom perhaps, but mostly it was the amount of people who told me about all the men that go to it.

Right, I thought, it was worth an afternoon out. I rounded up Mary Gray and arranged to meet her there. I was feeling pretty good about it all as I strode towards the entrance; there was a nice buzz about the place, the weather was pleasant and my hair was sitting really well but I was less Bessie Belle, more Ellie May Clampett. I realised I had sub-consciously dressed as close to hillbilly as Dorothy Perkins would allow. I was just wondering how much the entrance fee was when, out of nowhere, with no warning at all, I felt myself heading towards the ground. I had no idea what happened, did I faint, lose my balance, trip over my cowboy boots? It all happened so fast but I do remember thinking that I’ll right myself before I hit the ground. I didn’t, I was down. I could feel the breeze around my nether regions so I’m sure my knickers were on show. My first reaction wasn’t “Am

I hurt?” It was: “Who saw me?” From the corner of my eye I saw people in the café windows react. I quickly righted my skirt as I heard an, “Are you okay?” from behind. As I gathered myself together, I looked up to see a fella in a weird blue suit.

“Do you need some help?” sez he.

Sez I, wincing with pain,“no thank you, I’m fine.”

“As long as you didn’t hurt yourself,” sez he, “do you want a hand up?”

“No I can manage, thanks,” the face reddening as I gather all the stuff that had fallen out of my handbag, you know, dirty tissues, emergency lady’s things, emergency chocolate.

“Okay,” sez he, then he walks on. I tried to stand but it was harder than I thought.

I could see I’d cut my hand. A security guard ‘rushed’ out to see if I needed help.

I thought I was going to totally embarrass myself and start crying so I let him lead me inside to the lovely staff. I then noticed the nasty cut on my knee and my tights were ripped to shreds. Brilliant. You know that gift shop sells everything except tights?

This sent me over the edge and a few tears escaped despite my best efforts. The lovely staff member patched me up, got me tea and chocolate, made sure I wasn’t going to make a big claim and sent me on my way. I limped around the Folk Park trying to cover my ripped knee with my brolly. After a short while I found myself relaxing and the toe started tapping to the music, the toe on the healthy leg, that is. I eventually found Mary and was able to relate the whole sorry tale to her and I got plenty of sympathy, a few beers a good few laughs. I was laughing myself about it then. The Festival was great, to be fair, and there were plenty of men but all the good looking ones had wedding rings on. Story of my life! I saw the fella in the strange blue suit again. I was about to go over to thank him but I realised he was in the middle of his act. No, he wasn’t a musician…he was a magician!

He was doing magic tricks to entertain the kids, that explained the suit. Only I could have an incident with a magician at a music festival. You couldn’t make this stuff up!

Fintona teachers take the 'Ice' challenge for charity

Centre pic: St Lawrence's P. S., Fintona staff members Mickey McMullan, Shauna Boyle, Rita McKenna and Damian Monaghan with Gareth McElduff, (centre) Cancer Focus on Friday afternoon when they took the Ice bucket challenge.

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Powder blue collarless coat, New Look.

No winter wardrobe is complete without a statement coat and we love this 60s number from Miss Selfridge.

If you’re after tailoring on a budget then look no further than good old Topshop – this wee blazer is totally versatile and super chic!

Seasonal shift Summer’s had its last hurrah and there’s a definite nip in the air, which means it’s time for your wardrobe to change gear too. We are loving all the luxe fabrics and heritage looks on the high street this autumn…

Traditional ‘British’ style is still hot property in fashion – we love this heritage scarf from M&S – very princess Kate!

These have everything you need in an everyday autumn boot – neutral colour, ontrend stacked heel, little bit of metallic for some edge; Next, you’ve nailed it!

Good news for skinny-haters – wide leg trousers are back! Team superwide, mannish styles with cropped or super-fitted tops to maintain a feminine silhouette. These are from Dorothy Perkins.

Just adore the subdued check on this cute coat, again from New Look.

And so to bed Floaty voiles and pretty pastels in the bedroom are all very well for the summer months but when winter blows in we all crave something a bit cosier. We were so excited to discover that Watterson’s are now stocking the stunning William Morris & Co bedlinen range from Bedeck – this ‘Strawberry Thief’ pattern is one of the classic designer’s most iconic prints and looks beautiful layered up with cosy throws and cushions for an inviting winter nest that will keep you cosy right through ‘til spring! Check out the Watterson’s Facebook page for more images and information. omaghtoday | 26

Mummy Diaries How many Fs in sticky back plastic?

The new Mr and Mrs David Coyle who were married on Friday, 12th September and were on the 'wind down' in Ostlers on Saturday night.

Mrs Coyle was the former Wendy Colgan.

HOW many Fs in ‘sticky back plastic’? I am still laughing about a Facebook friend’s recent status to this effect – and the answer is, a lot! We’re never happy, us mothers, are we? I spent the whole summer looking forward to the new term but now they are back I’m still finding things to moan about.

Well, not really about school to be fair because we are not at the ‘backing books’ stage yet and even if we were, my inner geek would be in sticky-back plastic heaven! But I did forget about the whole hoo-ha of getting a little one settled into nursery for the first time which, for the uninitiated, means you basically have to start living in your car due to having to drop kids off and pick them up multiple times per day, at different times and in different places. It’s like some sort of overly complicated game show, and the prize is not being the parent that gets a phone call to say you’ve forgotten to collect your little darling at the correct time.

I’d been looking forward to getting some normality back for so long that I forgot to contemplate the fact that my youngest has now taken her first steps onto the educational hamster wheel. After all the hustle and bustle of the first day, getting ready and out of the house on time and loading kids plus bags plus lunches into the car, I didn’t think much about it until the classroom door opened and off she trotted without a backward glance. I know I should have been grateful she didn’t cry and cling to my leg like a limpet, and I should have felt proud that I’ve raised a confident, happy child, but I didn’t. I felt surplus to requirements and had a very large lump in my throat the whole way back to the car, which took me rather by surprise. She has taken to preschool like a duck to water and it’s me rushing to pick her up because I miss her, wanting her to sit on my knee in the evenings, suddenly scared that she’s not my baby any more. Like I said, never happy. I’m sure I’ll change my tune right around the Halloween holidays!

Another thing I forgot about is homework. Because you’re not allowed to send your kid to his or her room with a pencil and instructions not to come out until it’s finished any more, oh no. In my day (you know you’re a parent when you start using that phrase) you did your own homework on your own, and then faced the wrath of your parents if you got it wrong. Nowadays, parents are supposed to supervise. Now I know this is a good thing; it avoids the aforementioned wrath and hopefully helps your child to learn – but flip me, it’s a pain in the backside. The eye rolling, the huffing and puffing, the indignance when you suggest something might need to be rubbed out and done over, the insistence that they, aged six, are right and you are wrong…it would drive you to drink at the end of a long week, and in the grand scheme of things the homeworks in our house aren’t even long, or difficult as yet.

According to the school homework policy, I can kiss goodbye to that cushy number in the next few years and expect to spend about an hour a day reliving the torment of times tables. Not to mention getting to grips with the multitude of things that have changed beyond all recognition since I was a primary school pupil. And dear help us all when P4 hits and my child’s mathematical skills finally surpass my own. I think his eye rolling will probably be justified then! omaghtoday | 27

Social life in need of a boost?

Your guide to what’s onMartin in Omagh district this fortnight...

By Claire

Damn The Circus

Strule Arts Centre, October 3, 7.30pm, £7/ £24

“Damn everything but the circus.

She is a cruel and a demanding mistress. In her crown of sequins and sawdust, youth will perish and talent will bleed, and yet we love her so.” Featuring trapeze, hula hoops, juggling, acrobatics and silks, Damn The Circus is a tale about making the dream of circus and it’s harsh, annoying reality.

With its dazzling blend of theatre, slapstick, poetry and daring acrobatics, Damn the Circus showcases Irish contemporary circus at it’s finest – funny, flexible and refreshingly honest. Kenneth Fall, Tina Machina and Ursula Burns are the international award winning Tumble Circus. All three have been seduced and cursed by circus. Ken and Tina met passing juggling clubs on South Ann Street in Dublin in 1998, they have been working together ever since. Ursula supplies the live soundtrack and is the most dangerous harpist in the world; she ran away with the circus when she was 14, but her mother still doesn’t know.

Silverbirch Hotel, September 27, 7.30pm, £20

Top NI comedian William Caulfield will be joined by comedy hypnotist Robert Herdman and talented singer and Pink! impersonator Alecia Carr in what promises to be an incredible evening’s entertainment to raise money for Grovehill Animal Trust! As well as these three fabulous acts there will also be a raffle on the night with loads of prizes to be won and a disco to follow. Tickets are now on sale from the Grovehill charity shop on Foundry Land and proceeds will go towards the building of the charity’s new walk-in rehoming centre in Seskinore.

Get Outdoors!

Taking place this weekend ‘Get Outdoors Weekend NI’ aims to get us all out and enjoying the big wide world with the family – and the Omagh district has plenty to offer! Enjoy archery and face painting at Seskinore Forest Park while in Gortin Glens there will be archery, laser clay pigeon shooting, a climbing wall and guided walks as well as a Red Squirrel Event on Sunday at 2pm. There will also be canoe taster sessions at Gortin lakes on Saturday from 11am-5pm. Visit www.getoutdoorsweekend.com for full details. Some activites must be prebooked.

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Your at-a-glance guide to upcoming events

17th -20th September Loreto Grammar School Presents ‘HONK’ in Strule Arts Centre nightly at 8pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm.

18th September Tony Moore presents ‘Into the Light’ exhibition, Omagh Community House, 7pm.

19th September Culture Night – venues across the district open their doors free of charge for one night only!

20th September Spirit of Paul McGirr fundraising evening in Lansdowne Hotel, Dublin @ 8pm 21st September Car Boot Sale, Hospital Road Community Centre, gates open 11am, £5 per car and free for buyers/browsers! Hot food and full facilities available on site.

21st September Red Squirrel Day, Gortin Glen Forest Park.

Family activities and wildlife education, free.

21st September Lough to Loch Cycle, 30 and 60 mile routes.

Registration takes places at Loughmacrory St Teresa’s clubrooms from 8.15am on the day (60 mile route leaves 9am) and costs £10. Refreshments afterwards.

Grovehill Animal Trust charity night

Gortin & Seskinore Forests / Gortin Lakes, September 20 & 21, 11am-5pm, Free.

{What’s On?}

26th September Coffee Morning in Ballygawley in the vacant premises opposite the Ballygawley Veterinary Surgeons, 10.30 am to 2.00pm 27th September Antiques and craft fair in aid of NSPCC, 12-6pm, venue tbc, for more details like ‘Medium Sian Jade’ on Facebook.

28th September Roscavey Primary School annual 5mile run/walk, 3 mile run/walk and kiddie 1.5 mile walk. Entry £10 adults, Secondary School £5. Primary School free. @ 2pm 1st-4th October Patrician Hall, Carrickmore presents ‘Mrs Brown’s Boys 2’ – a show not to be missed!

Starts at 8.30pm sharp.

5th October Remembering Niall 5k Walk, Carrickmore @ 3pm. Hosted by Woods Family & Carmen Runners participating in Dublin marathon 27/10/14. Proceeds to PICU Royal Belfast & PICU Yorkhill Glasgow 10th October A Night at the Races, Village Inn, Killyclogher. Come along and bet in races for just £1!

10 races with 8 horses - you can get in contact to enter a horse in a race for £5.

Also looking for race sponsors for £50.

10th October Jimmy White Exhibition in St Endas GAA Club, Omagh @ 8pm. Snooker exhibition featuring world professional Jimmy White.

All proceeds shall go towards development of youth snooker and Cancer Care Omagh.

Autumn Entertainment at Strule Arts Centre We have an exciting selection of events coming up in the next few weeks in Strule Arts Centre, a host of amazing performances and a fantastic exhibition.

After the success of last year’s event, Culture Night is back with an even bigger array of cultural activities to do and see in Omagh Town and District. On Friday 19 September, locals and visitors will enjoy the unique experience of Culture Night, a free night of entertainment, discovery and adventure. Venues across Omagh District will again throw open their doors to invite the public inside to explore, experience and enjoy local culture. Strule Arts Centre will be a hive of vibrant artistic flair, join us for a night of activities and entertainment.

Movie fans can enjoy some movie magic with The Lego® Movie on Saturday 20 September, the first ever feature length Lego® adventure. The film classic Casablanca will be shown on September 26, as part of the Active Age Arts programme.

Enthusiasts of Mod culture with enjoy The Modfathers, on Friday 26 September, playing music of The Jam, The Who and Paul Weller to name a few. Other music genres are catered for with performances from Celtic Soul playing the music of Van Morrison on Saturday 27 September.

On Saturday 4 October Pitak with Ines Kahi, play a set sung entirely in French-Creole with elements of raggae, jazz, soul, samba and West African rhythms.

PERFORMANCES Honk!

Loreto Convent Grammar School Wednesday 17 – Friday 19 September @ 8.00pm £10/£5 Conc.

Saturday 20 September @ 2.30pm/ 8.00pm £10/£5 Conc.

CULTURE NIGHT Friday 19 September @ 5PM - 11PM

FREE

FILM The Lego® Movie Saturday 20 September @ 11.30AM £3/ £10 (Family/ Group of 4) The Modfathers Celebrating 50 Years of Mod Culture 1964 - 2014 THE MODFATHERS/ GAVIN DOYLE Friday 26 September @ 8pm £12 Celtic Soul The music of Van Morrison Saturday 27 September @ 8pm £14/£12 CON Damn the Circus Friday 3 October @ 7.30pm £7.00/£24.00 (Family of 4) Recommended Age PG: 8 Years and over

Damn The Circus comes to Strule Arts Centre on Friday 3 October. Ireland's international award winning, uniquely absurd, Tumble Circus.

With trapeze, hula-hoops, juggling, acrobatics and silks, an experience not to be missed! (recommended age 8 years and over) The exhibition Beyond Measure opens on 13 September until 25 October 2014. The exhibition features works by Diana Copperwhite, Richard Livingstone, Geraldine O’Neill, Patrick Pye and Jennifer Trouton. Gallery Talks on the exhibition

by Curator Terry Sweeney will take place on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 of September.

Irish language activities also resume in Strule Arts Centre. Weekly Irish classes continue in Strule Arts Centre on Wednesday evenings from 8pm - 9:30pm. Beginners, improvers and advanced learners are all catered for. Over the same period Set and Sean-n s dancing classes will run in Strule Arts Centre from 6 – 7pm each Wednesday evening, followed by singing in Irish from 7 – 8pm where participants sing in a group setting.

Also coming up; Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny's MOZAIK, Phil Coulter, The Fabulous Foyle Follies, Declan Nearney and The Elvis Spectacular Show.

Add to this an assorted programme of films, workshops and classes you are sure to find something for all tastes! For more information on any of these events and to book tickets please visit www.struleartscentre.co.uk or call box office on 028 8224 7831

18 Sept - 02 Oct 2014 Pitak with Ines Kahi Saturday 4 October @ 8pm £13.00 WORKSHOPS Strule Portrait Club Wednesday 17 September – 22 October @ 11am - 1pm £55 (6Wks) ACTIVE AGE ARTS (Over 55’s) Film Screening: Casablanca Friday 26 September @ 2pm - FREE EXHIBITION The 13th Annual Benedict Kiely Literary Week-end Exhibition Beyond Measure Saturday 13 September – Saturday 25 October 10am – 5.30pm GALLERY TALKS

By Curator Terry Sweeney Friday 19 September @ 11am - FREE Saturday 20 September @ 11.30am - FREE

Box Office: 028 8224 7831 or Book Online: www.struleartscentre.co.uk

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By Nicola Mulligan

A

UTUMN has arrived and at this time of year, many of you will be venturing away from home to begin the greatest adventure of your life so far...university! For the next three or four years, life will consist of drinking, partying, making new friends and attending the occasional lecture of course. There’s no doubt that university life is the best of craic and an amazing opportunity to make life-long friends from different towns, cities and countries.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you have the best experience possible, (these are also a few things I wish someone had told me when I first started out as a naive, scared fresher just four years ago) and with that in mind, I have created a guide to help you make the most out of your university experience.

Pace yourself: Whilst I would be a firm believer in the popular phrase ‘go hard or go home,’ and I understand that one should never waste the opportunity to take advantage of £1 shots of Sambuca, it would be a wise decision to try and pace yourself on the first few days omaghtoday | 30

k e e w

of freshers’ week. No one is going to want to carry your puke covered body back home after you’ve been obliterated by ten shots of tequila. Remember that you have a whole week of parties to attend and you don’t want to be hugging the toilet bowl for days after just one night on the tiles.

Write your new address on the back of your hand: This may seem a little overly cautious but losing your group of friends in a crowded nightclub during a trip to the bar or to the toilet is quite likely. There’s nothing worse than being as drunk as a skunk in a place you’re not familiar with and not being able to remember where you live. Take two seconds before you head out and scribble your new address on the back of your hand.

Don’t annoy the neighbours: This is a golden rule which should not be broken, it may come back to bite you on the behind if you upset those living beside you, whether that’s in the next room in halls or the next flat or house! Be mindful of your neighbours who have to get up for early lectures or work in the morning when you’re stumbling home at 4.30am, performing a drunken rendition of Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline,’ or ‘I Want it That Way’ by the Backstreet Boys (a surprisingly popular choice of drunken anthem amongst the male species). By means of an apology, presenting your neighbours with a peace offering following a night of fine tuning your vocal chords would be a very wise idea.

Join clubs: Heading out for a night of getting drunk and booty shaking like Beyoncé can be a great way to meet other people, but don’t neglect the activities which don’t involve a lorry load of booze.

Universities have a multitude of different clubs and societies that you can join.

Whether you have an interest in sports, movies, music, or even poetry, you’re sure to find a club to suit you and make lots of new friends who share your passion.

Also, don’t be afraid to broaden your horizons and use this opportunity to try

something completely different, you never know, you might find a brand new hobby and at worst, you’ll have found some new friends.

Clean up after yourself: Housework is hardly the most riveting pastime but it has to be done in order to maintain a good relationship with your housemates and also to keep those mice at bay... seriously!

There’s nothing worse than coming home after a long day of lectures to find a flat that looks and smells like a hovel.

Or worse still, going to cook dinner and finding the sink piled with dirty, mouldy dishes that have been there for so long that they could have walked to the sink themselves. Small tasks like hoovering once a week, taking the bin out regularly and washing your dishes after using them can make a big difference.

DON'T SET THE FIRE ALARM OFF AT 4AM: Coming home after a night out and trying to act like Gordon Ramsey is never a good idea. Setting the fire alarm off at stupid o’clock in the morning is not going to earn you many new friends – and could even score you a trip to A&E if you’re not careful! If you tend to get the munchies after a night on the tiles, ensure to leave some snacks out for yourself before you head out so that you have something to eat when you come home. Preferably something which doesn’t involve an oven or a cooker.

Register with a doctor: This won’t apply to those who are staying in good old Northern Ireland but for those of you who are venturing across the ditch, registering with a doctor would be a great idea. The notorious freshers’ flu is an absolute demon and chances are you’re going to be struck down with it at some point during your first weeks at university.

Having a doctor at hand to supply you with all the prescription medication you can swallow will be a godsend in the depths of freshers’ flu.

Wherever you’re heading this month, make sure to have an amazing time and good luck!!

The Papisher and the Prod This is an old poem; often attributed to the comedian Jimmy Young but in actual fact written by a Belfast man named John Kearney. It was sent to us recently by a local man in response to news that a young Omagh couple were recently driven apart by outside parties due to their religion. We think you'll agree itwW is a deeply moving piece.

I was born & reared on Sandy Row, a loyal Orange Prod; I stood for good King William, that noble man of God! My motto - No Surrender! My flag - The Union Jack!

And every Twelfth, I proudly march to Finaghy, and back.

Then Sunday came and I lay on when she got up at eight.

But Rosie turned to me and said, "Get up or you'll be late.

You've got a church to go to and there's where you should be, So up you get this minute - you'll be part o' the road with me."

A loyal son of Ulster, a true blue, that was me, Prepared to fight, prepared to die for faith & liberty.

As well as that, a Linfield man as long as I could mind, And I had no time for Catholics, or any of that kind.

We left the house together, but we parted down the line, And she went off to her church and I went off to mine.

But all throughout the service, although we were apart, I felt we prayed together, united heart to heart.

And then one night in Bangor I met wee Rosie Green.

The minute I laid eyes on her, I knew she was my queen; And when I saw she fancied me, my mind was all a-buzz, And I clean forgot to ask her what her religion was.

The weeks & months went quickly by and then there came the day When Rosie upped & told me that a child was on the way.

We both went down on our knees that day and asked the Lord above To give our child two special gifts alone-- tolerance & love.

Next time we met I told her, "I'm a Proddie, staunch & true!"

And she said, "I'm a Catholic, and just as staunch as you".

The words were harsh & bitter, but suddenly like this: Centuries of conflict and hatred were forgotten with a kiss.

I knew our love would bring us only trouble & distress.

But nothing in this world would make me love wee Rosie less.

I saved a bit of money, as quickly as I could, And asked her if she'd marry me - and dear God, she said she would.

Then the troubles REALLY started! Her folks went ravin' mad, And then, when mine heard the news, they were twice as bad.

My father said from that day on, he'd hang his head in shame; And by a strange coincidence, HER father said the same!

My mother cried her eyes out & said I'd rue the day That I let a Papish hussy steal my loyal heart away.

And Rosie's mother said, when she'd recovered from the blow, That she'd rather have the divil than a man from Sandy Row! We were married in a Papish church, the other side of town, That's how Rosie wanted it and I couldn't let her down.

But the priest was very nice to me & made me feel at home - I think he pitied both of us - our families didn't come.

The rooms we went to live in had nothin' but the walls, It was far away from Sandy Row & further from the Falls.

But that's the way we wanted it, for both of us knew well That back among the crowd we knew our lives would be living hell.

But life out there for Rosie was so lonely, of this I so well knew, And, of course, we also had our religious differences too: At dinner time on Friday, when Rosie gave me fish, I looked at it and then at her, and said, "Thon's not my dish."

I mind well what she said to me-- You've got to pay some price, "And to eat no meat on Friday is a poor wee sacrifice To make for Christ who died for us one Friday long ago," Anyway, I ate the fish-- and it wasn't bad, you know.

We wrote and told our families--they never used to call - And we thought the news might soften them, and so it did and all.

My mother, and then Rosie's, said they'd visit us in turn, And we marvelled at the power of a wee child not yet born.

But we were quickly disillusioned when we found out why they came; It wasn't to be friendly or to make up with us again.

Rosie's mother came to say the child must be R.C. And mine said it would have to be a Protestant like me.

The rows before the wedding were surely meek & mild Compared with all the rumpus that was raised about the child.

From both sides of the family, insults and threats were hurled - Oh, what a way to welcome a wee angel to the world!

The child must be Catholic! The child must be a Prod!

But the last and loudest voice I heard was the mighty voice of God. And to his awful wisdom I had to bow my head - Just one hour after he was born, our poor wee child was dead.

That night I sat by Rosie's side and just before the dawn I kissed her as she left me to join our angel son.

And my loyal heart was broken within thon lonely walls - Where the hell's Shankhill! Where the hell's The Falls!

But that was many years ago, long years o' grief and pain When I'd have given all I had to see Rosie's face again.

But my loneliness is waning now; I'll see her soon I know; The doctor told me yesterday I haven't long to go.

And when I go up thonder they'll let me in, I hope, But if they ask me who I'm for, King Billy or the Pope, I'm goin' to take no chances - I'll tell them straight & fair, I'm a Loyal Ulster Protestant - who loved a Papisher.

And one way or another, I know they'll let me through, And Rosie will be waitin' there, and our little angel too.

Then the child will lead the two of us, the Papisher and the Prod, Up the steps together - into the arms of Almighty God.

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OMAGH YESTERDAY

Images of Omagh & District from times past...

A serious squad from Omagh St. Enda's who were a force to be reconed with back in the Fab Fintona babes - Sandra and Margo early '80. Next weekend Omagh St. Enda's will again line up to contest another county at a Fintona horsie show . . . . . . many tile when their opposition will travel just a few miles down the road from Carrickmore. years ago.

A victorious Bridge Tavern, Eskra Tug O War team proudly pose J. J. Donnelly & sons & daughters, Fintona with a few outlaws with a fine selection of silver ware. That was more than 30 years who picked up the Northern Bank tropy at a Fintona six-a-side ago. tournament 25 years ago.

Wee Sheila from Mountfield must hold the record for personal appearances in Omagh Today. She is pictured here at an Omagh and district handicapped association concert more than thirty years ago. It is interesting to note that you could have bought a packet of fags from the vending machine 70p. Today you would pay over ÂŁ8 for the same. omaghtoday | 32

These young ladies were being taught the imperative skills of cooking and baking at St. John's High School, Dromore in 1981. No doubt they have since realised the importance of that class and have impressed with the knowledge and talent.

Fruit pizza For the topping 6ozs / 150g of cream cheese 2ozs / 50g of icing sugar 1/4pt of whipping cream 2 spoonfuls of jam plus 1 spoonful of cold water, mixed together Coming near the end of the fresh fruit season I recently had an order to make a few fruit tarts for a party. This is a recipe we have featured before in Omagh Today but I have tweaked it slightly to give a richer and also crunchier base. It was very well received at a recent party and I had so many people asking me for the recipe I thought it would do no harm to share the new updated version with you all before we head into the cooler months when these fruits are not at their best. Again like all my recipes fillings are a guide, just use what is your favourite or what is plentiful at the time.

Pre heat your oven to 300F / 210C For the base: 6ozs / 150g plain flour 2ozs / 50g cornflour 6ozs / 150g butter (unsalted) 1 egg yolk 3ozs / 75g icing sugar Pinch of salt 2 x spoonful of jam / spoonful of hot water Crumb the flour and butter together to a fine crumb, then mix the egg yolk and sugar before adding to the flour. Work this together until it combines. Don’t worry about getting it to a firm dough; the secret here is using the heat of your hands to combine these ingredients. The pastry will be crispy and short with a delicious sweet buttery taste.

Press the pastry base into a round flat tray. Don’t worry if its crumbly; these ingredients will combine in the oven. I used a pizza tray but a glass plate will also be suitable as the tray used for baking will be the tray that you will serve your flan in.

Place the base in your pre heated oven and bake for approx. 15 minutes until a light golden brown colour.

Blend together your jam and hot water. When the base is removed from the oven and cooled slightly, brush with the jam mix.

Across 1 Conflict (6) 4 Very young child (6) 8 Edible bulb (5) 9 Colonist (7) 10 Heartfelt (7) 11 Mountain ash (5) 12 Followers (9) 17 Throng (5) 19 Immediate (7) 21 Surprise (7) 22 Balance (5) 23 Boil slowly (6) 24 One of the planets (6)

Whip the cream until it thickens. In the meantime separately beat the cream cheese and icing sugar together in a separate bowl until it is nice and fluffy, then slowly add the whipped cream. This is now your base. Spread lightly over your now cooled and jam covered pastry base. Cool in the fridge for 20 minutes whilst you prepare the fruits for the topping.

Using whatever fruits you wish, slice and arrange in circles on the base working from the outside to the inside. Brush the arranged fruit with the mixed jam and water - this will create a glaze effect and protect the fruit to stop it from going brown.

Another idea for this mix is simply follow all the instructions only when the base is cooked break it into small pieces, place is a dessert dish - one large or individual dishes (I used large wine glasses) - spread the top over the broken base and decorate with fruit as above for individual puddings.

Next time up we will have our first reader baked recipe. Mary Berry’s favourite bake is her Victoria sponge but locally Clodagh McCann Gamble is going to show us her favourite Victoria Sponge - looking forward to the seeing (and tasting) the results! We now need a Paul Hollywood so who out there is up for this challenge? Come on boys, young or old – let’s be having you!

Down 1 Husband or wife (6) 2 Ruled (7) 3 Receiver of stolen goods (5) 5 Not artificial (7) 6 Permit (5) 7 Despot (6) 9 Make germ-free (9) 13 Emblem of royalty (7) 14 Marine animal (3,4) 15 Pursues (6) 16 Greek capital (6) 18 Kingdom (5) 20 Excellent (5)

omaghtoday | 33

Glencull Primary School principal Brian Gormley with Grainne Murray, Celine McGirr and Conor McKenna at the official opening of the school's fantastic new play trail.

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Michael and Patricia’s Ruby celebration

Above: Michael and Patricia McDaid (nee Stewart) at their 40th wedding anniversary party in the Coach last Saturday night.

Right: The happy couple with the McDaid clan from Beragh.

Right: With Patricia’s ones . . . . the Stewart clan from Clogher. Below: with their family and grand children.

Announcing the new Mr and Mrs Nugent Omagh’s newest Mr and Mrs Nugent at a post wedding family get together in the Coach on Saturday night. Gary Nugent and Grainne Barrett had ‘tied the knot’ the previous day and had joined family for a night of wedding day memories.

Eugene Taggart who is organising a fun pony drive from the Blacktown Arms, Scraghy, Castlederg on Sunday, 21st September commencing at 3pm. Every one is welcome to come along to watch or bring your own pony and trap for the run. Tel Eugene at 07752766127 for details.

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around the

community Our fortnightly look at what’s happening in your local community

Girls on tour

Omagh was the venue for the 'Girlie Bike Run' last weekend when a group of lady motorcycle enthusiasts stopped off for an overnight stay in the Silverbirch Hotel. Pictured above left, Omagh biker and leader of the Northern Ireland stage, Patricia Bowkers with Maura

O'Flynn who had travelled furthest for the event. Centre: A group of the ladies, and right: Sintija Irbe who was awarded the 'best dressed bike'. Funds from this year's outing go to Crohns Disease and Colitis Northern Ireland branch.

Local couple donate £600 to cardiac unit at TCH

A generous donation of £600 has been made by Willie and Lorna Gilmour to the Western Trust’s Cardiac Assessment Unit at the Tyrone County Hospital, Omagh. Willie recently celebrated his 60th birthday and kindly presented the money raised through the gifts he had received from friends and family. Pictured from left to right at the cheque presentation are Staff Nurse Sandra Edge, Ward Sister Florence Harper, Staff Nurse Joanne McVerry, Staff Nurse Alison Coyle, Lorna Gilmour and Willie Gilmour.

Support for Omagh cancer charity

Van Morrison tribute act to play Strule

Patrick McGurk from Plumbridge Cycling Club presents a cheque for £400 from their cycle round Glenelly Valley to Stephen Rankin from Care for Cancer.

Jim Martin (songwriter) and Florence Given (singer) present a cheque to Care for Cancer for £670, proceeds from sales of the 'Fintona One Horse Tram' single. Also pictured are Lavinia Armstrong and Laura Mills. CDs are still available for purchase from Top News, Supervalu Fintona, An Creagan Centre & Jean’s Country Music Store. omaghtoday | 36

Highly-acclaimed entertainers Celtic Soul, who will take to the stage at Strule Arts centre on Saturday, September 27, with their homage to one of the truly great singer/songwriters of all time: our own Van Morrison. Praised by devout Van fans wherever they perform, you’ll hear his hits and classic album tracks in a packed show.

Celtic Soul will take you through the songbook of a musical legend! For more information on tickets and the full programme of events visit www. struleartscentre.co.uk or call the box office on 028 8224 7831.

Strule lights up gold for kids with cancer OMAGH’s Strule Arts Centre ‘Lit it up Gold’ in support of children with cancer this week as part of International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, making it one of hundreds of landmark buildings around the globe to participate in the campaign.

Organised by the Irish charity Childhood Cancer Foundation, the campaign first originated in America in 2012 and has since spread across the globe with landmarks in the USA, Canada, Switzerland, France and Australia lighting up gold during September. Last year, in Ireland the ‘Light It Up Gold’ campaign saw 48 buildings and landmarks shine gold, including Belfast City Hall, The Mansion House, Trim Castle, Cork Opera House, Polestar Monument in Donegal and many others.

By lighting up gold this September, Strule Arts Centre is helping to raise awareness of the many issues affecting children with cancer. The charity Childhood Cancer Foundation seeks to improve the experience of some 200 families who are affected by childhood cancer every year. The campaign will shine a light on the bravery of children in treatment.

Call to Strule Arts Centre as it shines gold and help raise awareness by sharing your photographs on facebook.com/struleartscentre and twitter.com/ strulearts Details about Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHY 21198) and the Light It Up Gold campaign are available on their website www.childhoodcancer.ie

Omagh woman receives prestigious award for selflessness

Anne McKinney being presented with the Margarette Golding Award for Highly commendable personal service by Janet Howard, President of Ireland Inner Wheel. Also in the photo are members of the Omagh Inner Wheel club.

A GLOWING tribute has been paid to a local lady who scooped a prestigious award for members of the Rotary Club ‘Inner Wheel’ at a recent event held in the Silverbirch Hotel.

Anne McKinney received the Marguerite Golding Award, presented since 2001 in memory of the organisation’s founding president and in recognition of highly commendable personal service or service to the community, unconnected to their Inner Wheel and representing great personal sacrifice for the benefit of others.

Paying tribute to Anne, Omagh Inner Wheel president Mary Haley said: “Anne is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of Inner Wheel.

She has been a member of our club for thirty years and has served as Overseas Service Organiser, Secretary and President twice. She rarely misses a District function, Conference or Convention.

“Anne is mother to four sons and for the last forty five years she has been carer to three of her sons, who have special needs. Her devotion to their needs and wellbeing demands much of her time and energy but Anne still finds time to be a friend and helper to numerous good and deserving causes in the community, “She is champion for a variety of charities, including Mencap, supporting people with disabilities and special needs. Over the years she has raised thousands of pounds, and in addition she is a valued and hardworking member of NSPCC giving of her time and boundless energy to their fundraising events.

“Anne plays an important role in the local ‘Time 4 Me’ Carers Group which provides support and a range of health, well-being and social activities for carers. Her commitment and years of experience as a carer is an inspiration to others facing this demanding role in their lives. In addition, Anne is a valued member of her Church; she plays an active role in both pastoral and Church committee groups and is a leading and founder member of the recently formed Baptismal group. Anne also sings with a cross-community choir ‘Together One Voice’, a group which reaches out across the divides in Northern Ireland in an endeavour to bring peace and harmony to all.

“Anne's enthusiasm and wholehearted devotion to every project she supports, coupled with her genuine care for all with whom she comes in contact and her positive and upbeat outlook on life is an inspiration to all. This award is a fitting recognition of her sustained commitment and dedication to people with disabilities, to their carers and to her local community.” omaghtoday | 37

Rally driver Amy celebrates her 21st

Amy Cox who celebrated her 21st with a birthday bash in the Village Inn, pictured above left, with her Dad Damian, centre with grandparents Mary and Cathal Cox and Mickey and Vonnie Donnelly and right with boyfriend Niall Kildunne.

Celebrating another milestone Eamon and Kathleen Tracey (nee Lennon) who celebrated their wedding anniversary in An Creagan on Friday night.

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Silver for Dessie and Anne

Garvaghey's Dessie and Anne Monaghan who celebrated their Silver Wedding anniversary recently and were the recipients of a surprise birthday party in Kelly's Inn. They are pictured with their daughters Carrie, Cathy, Shannon and Hannah and son Stephen.

Fintona’s Emily gets the ‘key of the door’

Emily McConnell who celebrated her 18th with a birthday bash in McAtee's, Fintona pictured (left) with her parents Donna and Fintan and brother Simon.

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Marie Curie nurse Ruth Keys cuts the ribbon to start the Walk Ten event at the Ulster American Folk Park.

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Golden celebrations for Frank and Joyce Frank and Joyce McCrory celebrating their golden wedding anniversary with daughter Lisa, son in law Paul Gallagher and grandchildren Alanna, Katie and Aimee at a party in An Creagan on Friday night.

SOLUTION

Noreen Barbour's leaving do

Noreen Barbour who recently moved on from the Labs pictured with her colleagues at the Sperrin Restaurant. omaghtoday | 42

Seskinore YFC record breaking donation to Marie Curie

Michaela Short, club secretary, Andrew Phair, club leader, James Anderson, Chairperson Marie Curie Cancer Care, Henry Giles, Club Treasurer and Sara Ewing, club PRO present cheque to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Seskinore YFC held their annual Charity Tractor Run on Sunday, May 5. 2014 was the club's most successful year with 140 tractors attending the run. The club started back at meetings on Tuesday night, where they presented a cheque for £3100 to the chairperson of the local Marie Curie Cancer Care committee, James Anderson - the most the club has ever fundraised. The day was a great success and fun was had by all. The club appreciates the help and support from local Young Farmers Clubs and other farmers that attended, and without whom this success would not have been possible.

Wheelers head north

On Sunday 14th local cycling club Omagh Wheelers rounded off their leisure run trips of the year with a 60 mile cycle round the north coast of Donegal, the route took in Buncrana, Carndonagh, Ballyliffin, and was finished off with a very steep climb over Manmore Gap near Clonmany.

A club spokesperson said the members would like to thank Ann & Declan for support vehicle and refreshments and Translink for an excellent service.

Next event on the club calendar is the popular South West 200 which is being held on Sat 4th & Sun 5th Oct, see the clubs website for further details or contact the club mobile 07725 260741

Sean Harpur and Chris Armstrong have a yarn with one of the locals.

Drought Rivers are very low and there’s been nothing seen or caught locally (that I know of) since our last mag by the way of salmon. I’ve decided that I’ll not be fishing the rivers again until there’s a flood – a decision based on giving the fish a sporting chance since the water temperature and probable oxygen depletion is bound to be having an adverse impact on them at the minute. Hopefully we’ll get rain soon, but folks are talking of no break in the Indian summer until October!

Still waters Loughmacrory and Murrins District Angling Association got some decent publicity on ‘Lesser Spotted Ulster’ shown on UTV on September 12. It was nice to see the lough on the box, but I’m not sure about tying in the hair of a grey TV presenter to the tail on my Bibio flies, even if the show will have you believe it worked?! Call me old fashioned, but I’ll stick to the feathers when tying flies for Loughmacrory. I spoke with a few of the Committee members recently and they have told me that they are in the process of creating a casting green on the lough shore that they hope to utilise in the future to aid with the youth developments they have planned. The green will also be able to facilitate marquees, for example, at future angling events and will also give anglers a bit of clearance on the back cast when fishing the near shore.

There is a competition being organized by the Potter family, for the first time, to be held on ‘Potters Lough’ (near Creggan). The lake is a natural 16 acre lake which is spring fed and holds a head of wild brown trout and some stocked browns. There are many resident fish up to 8lbs and the scenery is breathtaking. This competition is being held to raise funds for a very worthy local cancer care charity, Termonmaguirc Cancer Care, which provides much needed support to patients and families from the parish who are living with the illness. I’ve shared the link on the Omagh Angling Forum if you want more details.

A great day was had at the inaugural Kevin McBride Memorial Shield at Birchwood. First prize of most fish was won by ‘Soda’ with 16 fish earning him a fly rod, SKS Sonik reel, matching line and a landing net; second prize went to Maurice ‘Horse’ Brolly with a lovely 6lbs fish, he also lifted a rod reel and line; third prize of second heaviest fish went to Jimmy O'Connor who won a rod reel and matching line and a selection of flies. Organiser, Arron McGarrigle would like to thank Birchwood Fishery and all the sponsors and most of all the anglers who turned up. In total they managed to raise a modest £306 for P.I.P.S NI, a charity chosen by Kevin’s family: “On behalf of them and myself I would like to thank everyone again for a great day’s craic, until next year tight lines – let’s make it a good one,” he said.

Weigh Inn Competition The last of the 4 comp summer league was held today (13/09/2014) at Birchwood Fishery. Cahir McGovern went into the last day with 57 points, only eight points ahead of Sean Kelly and 23 points ahead of the rest of the pack. Sean tried hard and went within a two point difference at the break for lunch. After the break it all changed and Cahir raced into the lead finishing with a winning 79 points to win the summer league cup and £200. Sean finished second winning £110.

Heaviest overall fish was 8.8lb, Michael Wallace £150 with second heaviest 7.7lb Darren Convey £80. A side event today for heaviest fish was won by Joe McCrory 5.9lb £70.

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Photos: Ed Winters

Craic's ninety for Dromore's Maureen

Dromore lady Maureen McGarrity who recently celebrated her 90th pictured with her daughters Carmel, Maire, Winifred, Anne and Jean and her sons Seamus and Aidan.

Birthday girl Maureen with Dromore Parish Priest Fr. Patrick MacEntee.

Colour and style at

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Birthday boy George Gilmour who celebrated his 80th with a birthday bash in Fintona Legion pictured with his wife Ann, daughters Georgie and Gloria and son Winston.

Fintona Golf Club

FINTONA Golf Club was the venue for an afternoon of colour and style hosted by the ladies of Fintona Presbyterian Church and in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. House of Colour consultant Helen Allen was on hand to offer advice on dressing to suit one’s hair and complexion, and there was also an array of beauty, craft and cupcake stalls. Afternoon tea was served and one lucky lady even enjoyed a ‘daytime makeover’! A fantastic afternoon was had by all.

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Action packed fight

Organised by the

Busy season ahead for all riders at Omagh RDA FOLLOWING a very successful summer for the Omagh based group of Riding for Disabled, the centre is due to open its doors again at the end of September for the new term, with some new faces (riders and horses) joining the team.

One of the highlights of the summer was those members who competed at the UK National Championships in Hartpury, Gloucester. With a total haul of over 30 awards, including Junior Championship wins, this year’s trip also saw Omagh riders take part in some new competitions at the National Championships.

Again many riders new to the pressures of National Competitions participated under the banner of the Omagh Group. As well as this, many personal bests were recorded by the Omagh riders on what is the biggest national stage for disabled equestrianism in the world outside of the Paralympic Games.

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trip, to those who anonymously donated for their generosity, and to the local community for all the positive wishes that the team received.

Special thanks also to all the owners for allowing these fantastic horses to compete with the Omagh group as well as the entire coaching and support teams that made the trip so successful, and to Dunlop Horse Transport with driver Mr Ian Monteith for looking after our horses in such great fashion. Without such assistance these trips would not be possible. The team’s arrival into Hartpury was the topic of many conversations - not may groups arrived by air conditioned unit!

Looking ahead to the new term and volunteer inductions are ongoing, with the group keen to encourage any interested parties to come along to an induction evening on September 16 at 7pm to find out more. Omagh RDA require volunteers for many of its activities, from horse handling to

night on Main Street

Sacred Heart A. B. C.

administration, fundraising and lots more. For further details contact the Volunteer Development Officer on 07785 952824.

As well as the ridden sessions provided for disabled adults and children, Omagh RDA also have many other events for able-bodied riders as well as training and fundraising activities planned throughout the season.

New for 2014 will be the introduction of the British Equestrian Federation's 'Trot to be Trim' alternative fitness programme while following on from its launch last year, the 'Sunday Schooling' arena sessions will also recommence over the coming months. The cost is £5 for a 30min session, Further details from Chris on 07709199474.

October 23 will see a ‘pick and mix’ combined training show LEFT: Omagh RDA Group Coach and rider Louise Bogle gets her horse Indigo Boy ready for travelling to the UK National Championships at Hartpury. Louise achieved a personal best with a score of 72.3%, securing placings in both her Championship and Freestyle tests.

at the centre, with dressage tests suitable for beginner riders up to accomplished elementary riders. Details are available from organiser Louise on 07885 5212181. A working hunter show has also been planned for Saturday, November 15 with classes being eligible for both Equifestival and Northern Ireland Festival events in 2015.

Following the reintroduction of the car boot sales since May, the centre will be hosting boot sales on 28 September, 26 October, 30 November and 28 December. Further Information and space bookings to Maureen Bogle telephone 07731010644 Last but not least, one of the social highlights of the year will be the Charity Masquerade Ball, taking place on Thursday, November 20 in Corick House, Clogher. Tickets are available from all committee members or at the centre, priced at £35 per ticket.

For further details on any of the group’s activities or to become a volunteer please contact the group organiser by calling 07709199474 or email omaghrda@hotmail.co.uk.

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TheSideline Local sport insights ...

Prepare to feel the force of the ‘Whirlwind’...

I'LL admit it. I was a terribly bad loser when I was younger, which is strange because I did a lot of it! Despite my many (many, many...) defeats, I continued to play and continued to try and I soon learned some sportsmanship, treating failure and success similarly, regarding neither too seriously.

It's a shame that today not everyone has learned the same lessons, as the final of the Brendan Keogh Youth League Under-15 Cup would seem to suggest.

The final, scheduled between St Patrick's and Strabane Athletic, was meant to be the

Winning ways

highlight of the season for the youngsters, but none of them got the chance to play in it. The Strabane coach forgot the player registration cards, which eventually arrived at the game 23 minutes late, eight minutes after the period of grace ended. Now, the league secretary did ask the St Patrick's coaches, 'in the interest of football', if they would let the game go ahead, but unfortunately for all involved, knowing they would win by default if the game was cancelled on such grounds, preferred to 'win' the cup without a ball being kicked

Coaches who can celebrate justifiably this week are those in charge of Augher St Macartan’s, Omagh St Enda’s and Dromore St Dympna’s GAA Club ladies teams who all won their respective Tyrone Championship titles.

The Augher ladies overcame Carrickmore by 0-9 to 1-05 in the senior decider, the Omagh girls defeated Ardboe 0-13 to 0-8 in the intermediate showpiece and the Dromore women beat Rock 4-09 to 3-05 in the junior final to complete a clean sweep of successes for the west of the county.

Now it’s up to the men to do likewise, with Omagh taking on Carrickmore in the senior final at Healy Park on September 28.

Other teams who won by playing at the weekend were Omagh Accies, who kick-started their Qualifying Two league campaign with a resounding 51-12 away win over newly promoted Holywood.

That victory should give them plenty of confidence ahead of this Saturday’s home game with a Grosvenor side who were one of only two teams to beat them last season in the league. Saturday should prove to be an exciting day down at the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields as Ireland coach, Joe Schmidt is visiting to officially open the club’s new gym, new thirds pitch, present last season’s awards and talk at the annual dinner.

Meanwhile, on the local soccer front at the weekend the Irish Junior Cup took centre-stage and once again, former back-toback winners, Strathroy Harps made progress with a 7-2 home win over Dollingstown Reserves. Other local winners were Tummery Athletic, who defeated Eglinton 7-1, Beragh Swifts, won 2-1 at St

and said no.

Regardless of what your thoughts are about the rights and wrongs of the rule that was broken, denying children the chance of playing in a final, one they have given their all to qualify for, for the sake of eight minutes strikes me as a tad petty, a poor example to set and not a worthy way of winning and I for one wouldn't be diving into that particular pool of celebration as I'd end up with quite a headache (because it was a shallow victory...boom boom!).

Oliver Plunkett’s, courtesy of Chris Leathert’s brace, Strule United defeated Cookstown Celtic 4-3 after extra-time, Mountjoy United won 1-0 over Celtic Bhoys and Drumquin United were 3-2 victors at Union Lusa, while Omagh Hospitals lost 1-0 at Derryhirk United.

There was more good news on the football front last week when four local teenagers played for Northern Ireland under-19s during their 2-2 draw and 3-1 win over Iceland. The quartet, who all came through the Omagh United ranks, were Motherwell’s Ben Hall, Leeds United’s Robbie McDaid, who scored in the first game, West Ham United’s Jamie Harney and Dungannon Swifts’ Kris Lowe.

Right, I’ve now got over the whole people winning via the small print thing, well almost. One of my fondest memories growing up are spending time with my now departed grandparents, and I remember my grandmother would let me sit up and watch the snooker on the television, especially if Jimmy White was playing.

Well, the good news is that the Whirlwind’s coming to Omagh in October and tickets for the event have gone on sale through the Ladbrokes Omagh and District Snooker League and Laird’s Jewellers. My advice is get them quick because he was and is a great entertainer, one who never looked for a get out of jail free card even after reaching and losing six World Championship finals and with John Virgo accompanying him the craic is sure to be ninety so they’ll sell out sharpish!

Ciaran's fight night countdown

The countdown is on for Ciaran Donnelly's charity boxing event in aid of the Head Injury Department at Drumcoo Centre, Enniskillen.

Both male and female boxers have been putting in hours of training for the 'fight night' which will take place in Kelly's Inn on Saturday, 4th October. omaghtoday | 48

Keith Finlay, Kevin Fitzgerald, Phelim Quinn, Enda Harpur, Oonagh McGirr, Stephen McKenna and Edel Doherty at the launch of the South West 200 which will take place on 15th and 16th October.

Further details from the Omagh Wheelers or Sallys of Omagh.

Fifteen year reunion of champs

Members of the 1999 Tyrone Ladies team and managers who won the '99 Junior All Ireland final after their 3.12 to 2.4 victory over New York in Croke Park on the 6th October, 1999. The squad held a 15 year reunion in Kelly's Inn on Saturday, 6th Sept.

Top right: Team coach Theresa Kelly and team captain Nuala Laurence (McCartan) reminisce with press cuttings and pics from their 1999 victory.

Right: Joanne McKenna, Michaela O'Neill, Rosemary Carson and Claire O'Donnell.

Eileen Hamilton Caroline Coffer.

Eilish Gormley and Nicola and Canavan turn back the years Lynette McShane with her son Donnacha and Joanne McKenna at the Tyrone Ladies 15 year re fellow footballers Lisa O'Hare, Sara McGread Hayley Boyle. union. and Nuala Lawrence.

and

Cheque for MS Carrie Ann, Noreen and Claire Murray, on behalf of the Multiple Sclerosis Society receive ÂŁ435 from members of the Tattyreagh GFC committee who organised the recent tractor and vintage run from the clubhouse.

They are Charlie Mitchell, Sean Cartin, Dominic Darcy, Pat Darcy and Sean Darcy.

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Great turnout for Altamuskin 200

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Gigantic-saurus!

Scientists uncover skeleton of dinosaur SEVEN times the size of T Rex…

A supermassive dinosaur that would have weighed as much as 60 small cars has been found in Argentina, where it likely died in a bog some 77 million years ago, experts told the world recently.

Scientists have named the massive beast ‘Dreadnoughtus’, taken from the old English phrase meaning ‘fear nothing’ because is was more than seven times the size of Tyrannosaurus Rex. The longnecked lizard would have measured 26 metres from nose to tail and weighed some 60 tonnes!

"With a body the size of a house, the weight of a herd of elephants, and a weaponised (nine-metre, muscled) tail, Dreadnoughtus would have feared nothing," said one of the paleontologists involved in uncovering the gigantic skeleton, which took four years to excavate after it was found in Patagonia back in 2004. Since then, scientists have been working on piecing together a full picture of Dreadnoughtus’s size, weight, diet and habitat.

The fossilised skeleton is the most complete yet found in the category of super-sized, plant-eating dinosaurs called Titanosaurs.

The find included over 70 percent of the types of bones in the dinosaur's body - 45 percent of its total skeleton. There were no skull bones.

Palaeontologists uncovered most of the vertebrae from the lizard's tail, a neck vertebra with a diameter of 0.9 metres, ribs, toes, a claw, a section of jaw and a tooth, and nearly all the bones from its four limbs, including a humerus (upper arm bone) and a femur

(thigh bone) over six feet tall.

The femur and humerus are the most important bones used to work out the size and weight of any species.

Because it was so huge, Dreadnoughtus would have had to eat vast quantities of plants growing in the forest on the southern tip of South America. Experts believe the dino’s vast size would have meant it didn’t move around much, as it was able to clear large sections of forest while standing in one place thanks to its 11-metre long neck!

An adult Dreadnoughtus would likely have been too large to fear any predators, but would have made a great feast for

scavengers after their death, the team added.

They discovered several teeth of small predatory and scavenging dinosaurs at the excavation site, which also included a second Dreadnoughtus skeleton, though it was smaller and much less complete.

From the preservation of the skeletons, the team concluded the Dreadnoughtus pair was buried soon after death, but not before their carnivore cousins took a few bites.

"These two animals were buried quickly after a river flooded, turning the ground into something like quicksand," said paleontologist Kenneth Lacovara.

"The rapid and deep burial of the Dreadnoughtus accounts for its extraordinary completeness.

"It's misfortune was our luck."

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